Festival Review: Off The Record, Manchester

Off The Record sold out for the third consecutive year, with their biggest event to date. With queues stretching outside many of the venues it’s clear to see the success the festival achieves and the passion for music Manchester has.

The incredible amount of talent that was crammed into the Northern Quarter is an incredible feat and the curators behind the scenes made it run smoothly and seamlessly across multiple venues. Unlike some multi-venue festivals the organisation from the promotors and door staff was excellent and meant that acts ran on time and people could easily find their way around the venues.

The live music aspect of Off The Record kicked off with a special guest appearance from Bang Bang Romeo in the very packed and very sweaty basement of Jimmy’s. Having recently announced they’re supporting Pink on her European tour this is certainly the smallest venue you’ll seem them.

From one basement to another, Red Rum Club played at Peer Hat to an overflowing crowd that were queuing up the stairs waiting to get entry. Since the release of two new singles Red Rum Club have hit the highlights across many city’s not just in their hometown, Liverpool. With people jumping on the stage and everybody dancing and singing, this was by far the best performance of the evening.

Off The Record is one of the best festivals for putting on so many hidden talents across multiple venues and is continuing to grow year after year. This is certainly the festival to attend to find the new big band to break through.